MINNEAPOLIS POST NO

The 5th District held its 2009 – 2010 High School Oratorical Contest at Wold-Chamberlain Post #99. We had a great turnout of friends, families, Legionnaires and Auxiliary members.

Some of the dignitaries attending this year’s contest included Past NECs Don Schreodl and Virgil Persing, Past Department Vice Commander Joe Bayer, Several Past 5^th District Commanders and Honored Guest, John Quincy, City of Minneapolis 11^th Ward Alderman.

The day started off with a welcome to all from Commander Curt Norenberg. Commander Norenberg outlined the purpose and goals of the Oratorical Contest and congratulated all contestants. He also took a moment to thank Post # 99 for their generous hospitality in hosting this year’s event.

The ceremonies commenced with the posting of the Colors by The ‘Award Winning’ JROTC Color Guard from the Minnesota Transitions Charter School. The Color Guard team looked very sharp and added a genuine sense of patriotism and pageantry.

There are three (3) awards at the 5^th District High School Oratorical Contest. The first place winner receives $350.00 in scholarship money and represents the 5^th District at The Department competition, January 29, 2010. The 2^nd Place Winner receives $250.00 in scholarship money and 3rd Place receives $100.00 in scholarship money.

All contestants were presented with The American Legion “Certificate of Distinction” for their participation in this year’s contest. The certificates were presented by 5^th District Commander Curt Norenberg and Past NECs Don Schreodl and Virgil Persing.

The 5^th District would have been well served by any one of our top three (3) contestants. The scoring seemed to be close and the competition was very keen.

At the end of the day The 5^th District would be represented, in the Department Oratorical Contest by Aswar Rahman, a junior classman from Minneapolis Southwest High School. Aswar has great poise and talent as he swept into the 1st Place Finish. We look forward to Aswar competing in next year’s contest. Aswar was sponsored by Wold-Chamberlain Post #99.

In a close 2^nd Place was John Dahl, another junior classman from Minneapolis Southwest. John’s 2^nd Place finish is further evidence that Minneapolis Southwest High School is a perennially strong competitor in The High School Oratorical Contest. John was sponsored by Leonard Faldin Post# 555.

Third place honors were presented to DeonDre’ Bradley a junior at Minnesota Transitions Charter School. DeonDre’ did a great job representing his high school. DeonDre’ was sponsored by Minneapolis Post #1.